Selectively rotatable shaft coupler

Abstract

In one aspect, the present invention is a system for rotatably coupling a shaft to a housing. The system includes a selectively rotatable shaft coupler that connects a shaft to a housing that allows a limited amount of shaft rotation, but which sets a restriction on the maximum amount of shaft rotation. In another aspect, the invention provides a shaft coupling system for connecting a proximal end of an endoscope shaft to a housing without the use of adhesive or epoxies.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to shaft couplers for medical devices in general and to rotatable shaft couplers in particular. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] It has become well established that there are major health benefits from regular endoscopic examinations of a patient's internal structures such as the alimentary canals and airways, e.g., the esophagus, stomach, lungs, colon, uterus, urethra, kidney, and other organ systems. Endoscopes are also commonly used to perform surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic or other medical procedures under direct visualization. A conventional imaging endoscope used for such procedures generally include an illuminating mechanism such as a fiber optic light guide connected to a proximal source of light, and an imaging means such as an imaging light guide to carry an image to a remote camera or eye piece or a miniature video camera within the endoscope itself. In addition, most endoscopes include one or more working c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] To address these and other problems, in one aspect the present invention is a system for rotatably coupling a shaft to a housing. The system includes a selectively rotatable shaft coupler that connects a shaft to a housing that allows a limited amount of shaft rotation, but which sets a restriction on the maximum amount of shaft rotation. The rotatable shaft coupler comprises a shaft adapter having a rotatably securable hollow body with a first end adapted to be secured to an end of a shaft and a second end adapted to be rotatably attached to a collar. A collar extends from a housing that rotatably receives the shaft adapter. At least one stop element is provided that is capable of limiting the rotation of the shaft adapter with respect to the housing.

Problems solved by technology

An endoscope shaft with low torque transfer characteristic allows for shaft rotation by allowing the shaft to twist around its central axis; however, excessive rotation of the shaft can damage the cables, tubes and electrical wires within the shaft.

On the other hand, an endoscope shaft that is not allowed to rotate at all may loop over itself during clinical use, causing damage to the internal components as well as discomfort to the patient.

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